Brigit Traditions for Imbolc

Light grows and the wind blows just a bit warmer as the season shifts from winter, traditionally known as Samhain on the old Celtic Irish calendar, to Imbolc which heralds the spring. Imbolc begins on Brigit's Day, celebrated on 1st February which is also the feast day of St. Brigit. As with each of the four seasonal celebrations on the Celtic Wheel of the Year, there are traditional ways to celebrate Imbolc and Brigit.

Who was Brigit?

Brigit, in pre-Christian times, was a triple goddess of healing and midwifery, of poetry and of smith-craft and the forge. She was a goddess of the Tuatha de Danaan tribe. Myths and stories allege that Brigit was born into human form in the early 5th century on 1st February from a pagan chieftain and his Christian servant-woman. Brigit established a monastery in Kildare and may or may not have been made a bishop of the Church by St. Patrick depending on the story you know or read. Brigit is one of the three patron saints of Ireland, along with St. Patrick and St. Colmcille.

Brigit's Cross

Of the patron saints, Brigit has the distinction of being a protector of hearth and home. Crosses dedicated to her are traditionally woven on or around Brigit's Day to represent her presence and protection over the household. Rushes are collected to weave into either the most common four-arm cross or a three-arm cross which may signify the elements of earth, sea and sky or many variations thereof. The cross from the previous year is burned or returned to the Earth.

The Arrival of Spring

Snowdrops, tiny white flowers that nod bashfully to the Earth, are a symbol of Brigit and represent her warming breath upon the land. Their presence portends spring's arrival. Dandelion is another flower and herb of Brigit and of springtime. As a healer, she may have used this herb as medicine as well as food. Its bright yellow blossom symbolises Brigit's fire, incorporating both her aspect as goddess of the forge and as Christian saint protector of the hearth and home.

Brigit's Eve

Placing a blue cloth outside on the evening of 31st January, Brigit's eve, is another long held tradition. This cloth is meant to collect the essence of Brigit as she moves over the land and can be used throughout the year as a representation of her healing presence. Midwives may also use this cloth to invoke protection during childbirth.

Making Butter

Making butter was a common chore, even as recently as 50 years ago, and ties in with Brigit and her companion, a white cow with red ears, that would produce limitless amount of milk (until misused by a greedy chieftain, of course). Today butter-making might be considered part of the burgeoning homesteading movement and making butter on Brigit's day is a fun activity especially for the kids.

Brigit as a Herbalist

Brigit was a herbalist, both in her pre-Christian as well as Christian aspects and dandelion was one of her favorite herbs for healing and nourishment. The following receipt is a delicious way to enjoy the first dandelion blossoms. Fry them in your handmade butter.

Dandelion Flower Fritters

Optional items to add for sweet fritters: spoonful of honey and 5 ml of any of the following: cinnamon, cloves, cardamom or nutmeg. For savory fritters add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary and oregano plus more salt, pepper and a pinch of chili for extra heat.

Dandelion flowers will close within about 20-30 minutes after being picked so it is important to make the fritters immediately upon harvesting.Mix dry ingredients then slowly add the milk and beat in the egg. Add the sweet or savory ingredients, as desired. Dip the flower blossoms into the batter, coating well. Fry until golden brown. Best if eaten immediately.

Brigit of Faughart Festival January near Dundalk from January 29th – 5th February: A week-long festival that festival celebrates Brigid of Faughart, as both Saint and Goddess, and the Celtic Festival of Imbolc or Spring. brigidoffaughart.ie

- Written by Tonja Reichley who is a herbalist, student of Celtic heritage and pilgrimage guide. Learn more at dancingwiththewildcom.

Children from all around County Galway have been visiting the Garden for our Spring school workshops. They are planting seeds in the polytunnel, searching for the signs of spring in the Celtic Gardens and making bird nests in the woodlands.

Brigit’s Garden is looking for facilitators to work through both the Irish and English language as part of our experienced and enthusiastic Education Team. Brigit’s Garden offers a range of high-quality, inspirational and educational workshops for all ages. This role would involve working mainly with primary school students but may also include working with secondary schools and summer camps.

It has been a long winter and your home has held you well. Now, as the days warm, you are inclined to open the windows wider and invite in the freshness of renewal. Now is the time to clear away and make room for what will grow in your own life this season. Spring is the perfect time to cleanse your personal space to eliminate old energies and make way for the fresh and the new, to give love and intention to your beloved house and home.

Brigit was a herbalist and used wild herbs to nourish and heal body and spirit. Many of her plants grow in our gardens, hedgerows and meadows, providing wild and free medicine that has been used for thousands of years.

This year the Winter Solstice falls on 21st December and marks the shortest day of the year. Solstice means ‘sun-stop’, and for three days around the solstice the sun appears to rise and set at the same point, moving in a low arc through the sky and casting the longest shadow of the year on our Calendar Sundial.

More than just a flavour for your pasta sauce, thyme is a robust herb available almost year around, offering many healing properties. Be sure to continue to add thyme to your soups, stews and sauces, as food is medicine! Thyme has wonderful properties to keep our bodies healthy during the cold, cough and flu season.

The vanilla-almond scent of meadowsweet fills the air this month and her creamy white, frothy flowers polka-dot fields and hedgerows. Known also as Queen of the Meadow, she is a majestic sight, a balm for the eyes and the spirit and medicine for the body.

Sunrise Children’s Festival at Brigit’s Garden is back for 2017 and have just announced their full line-up across four stages, showcasing the best in children’s entertainment with live music, theatre, magicians, puppeteers and much more.

Brigits Garden Photo Galleries

Enjoy delicious lunches and teas in our light-filled dining area overlooking the gardens, or al fresco on the patio. Our food is freshly prepared using the best local produce with salads and herbs from the Gardens. Currently open Saturdays, Sundays & Bank Holidays. (By arrangement for groups any time of year)Read more>>

The gift shop at Brigit's Garden sells carefully chosen pieces to delight and inspire, with many of our items showcasing the best of Irish craft, books and artisan foods. Read more>>

Weddings and Celebrations

Every wedding at Brigit's Garden is different, and we enjoy working with people to create special celebrations in a unique setting. Read More >>

Birthday Parties

Choose a fairy or dragon theme or a nature-based party with exciting games, storytelling and activities as our experienced staff lead children on a birthday adventure! Catered and non-catered options available. See flyer here>>

Children from all around County Galway have been visiting the Garden for our Spring school workshops. They are planting seeds in the polytunnel, searching for the signs of spring in the Celtic Gardens and making bird nests in the woodlands.

Brigit’s Garden is looking for facilitators to work through both the Irish and English language as part of our experienced and enthusiastic Education Team. Brigit’s Garden offers a range of high-quality, inspirational and educational workshops for all ages. This role would involve working mainly with primary school students but may also include working with secondary schools and summer camps.

It has been a long winter and your home has held you well. Now, as the days warm, you are inclined to open the windows wider and invite in the freshness of renewal. Now is the time to clear away and make room for what will grow in your own life this season. Spring is the perfect time to cleanse your personal space to eliminate old energies and make way for the fresh and the new, to give love and intention to your beloved house and home.

Brigit was a herbalist and used wild herbs to nourish and heal body and spirit. Many of her plants grow in our gardens, hedgerows and meadows, providing wild and free medicine that has been used for thousands of years.

Interactive Tour

Birds-eye view of Brigit's Garden

Group & Tour Ideas in Galway

Whether you are a tour group, community group or a spiritual group you will find a warm welcome at Brigit's Garden. We are also an accredited Discover Center and a popular destination for school tours.

Brigit's Garden is a not-for–profit project and registered charity created for the benefit of the community

You can donate to Brigit's Garden through PayPal! All profits go back to support the project.(Charity # CHY 15512)